Brett Bennett, the junior goaltender for the UW men's hockey team, has already made an impression on multiple fronts. The transfer from Boston University, via the U.S. Hockey League, is two weeks into the season and already has his first shutout for the Badgers and shown great skill in moving the puck.

Fresh off a 23-save showing in a 6-0 decision over Minnesota State-Mankato last Friday, Bennett is getting ready to face New Hampshire, a Hockey East club he faced twice while at BU during the 2007-08 season. The Wildcats come to the Kohl Center for a non-conference series Friday and Saturday.

Question: Is there anything you know about the Wildcats from your time at BU that will help you this weekend?

Answer: "They're offensive, good power play, good transition game. They like to get up to the offense quick. Their goalie (senior Brian Fioster) is good. He hasn't had the same start to the season he usually does (2-2-1, 3.81 goals against average, 85.4 save ratio), but I know he's a good goalie because I've seen him play a bunch.''

Q: Any knowledge that you will apply directly to this weekend?

A: "Just be more aware. They like to get pucks to the net and crash the net. They've got a really good power play, so just let (UW teammates) know (to) be real disciplined so they can't cash in.''

Q: Is there a difference between college hockey in the East and West?

A: "I haven't been through the thick of the schedule yet, seeing the rivalry with Minnesota and North Dakota. I think I need to get to those games to really get the full WCHA effect.''

Q: What's been the biggest adjustment from the atmosphere you were in at BU and the atmosphere you're in now?

A: "New guys. New coaching staff. New school. Everything is just new. It's a learning period. I learn something new every day. I meet someone new. I see something new. It reminds me a lot of the (U.S. National Team Developmental Program) because my coach there (John Hynes) was under (UW coach Mike) Eaves at one point, so it's similar in that aspect. It's something new every day and I'm really liking it right now.''

Q: Your ability to handle and move the puck is something Badgers fans haven't seen a lot. How did you get so proficient at it?

A: "When I was a younger kid, my coach really took me under his wing. He always told me, 'You can play the puck.' I remember when I first started, I flipped one over the glass and it broke the fire (extinguisher) glass. I was like, 'Oh, shoot, coach is going to yell at me.' He said, 'No, that's good. You're starting from somewhere.'

"Every coach I had growing up was always encouraging me to help the (defensemen) out and move the puck. ... It's funny, when I was 14, I scored an empty-net goal and it evolved from there.''

Q: It's an acquired skill, right, because not all goaltenders feel comfortable doing it?

A: "You don't just get it overnight. It's years of working with the puck and handling the puck. I think with some of it you're born with a knack for it. I was lucky enough to have coaches that really allowed me to do whatever I wanted to with it. It just evolved over time.

"It's different. Not a lot of guys are really even coached in (moving) the puck. Just go set it up and get back in the net. But I think if you talk to the (defensemen) they really like it. It helps them out a ton (because) they're not going back there and getting hit by the forwards.''

Q: Have the guys prepared you for Halloween in Madison Saturday night?

A: "I've heard Halloween here is great. I haven't been fortunate enough to have a Halloween here, but hopefully with a sweep I'll be able to go out Saturday night and maybe check out what it's like.''

Q: Your favorite costume of choice?

A: "Ray Finkle from 'Ace Ventura.' ''

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